An incredible lorry loads of items have been collected from people across Llanelli to donate to refugees forced to flee war-torn Ukraine.
Jumpers, shirts, trousers, along with a range of other clothes, are among the items that have been gifted towards an appeal.
It comes after members of the town’s Polish community rallied around and started collecting donations in the wake of the crisis.
Originally they had hoped to collect just a van load to help the refugees. But such was the generosity of the Polish and Llanelli community, enough clothes were collected to fill six lorries.
Two Owens Group artic lorries have been donated to help the good cause.
Dafen councillor Rob Evans said the response had been incredible and they were now looking to get medical supplies moved as well.
He said: “It’s been overwhelming. The Polish community got together and put together a plea for help for donations of clothes. They were inundated from the Llanelli and Polish community. The items were collected from the Catholic Centre in Llanelli but there was so much coming in and they were queuing in cars they had to move it to St Mary’s School.”
The items have been moved away from the school site ready to be transported to London and on to Poland where refugees are arriving in their thousands each day.
Councillor Evans added: “This war is evolving, they have to stop the donations of clothes because of the sheer quantity we received - that has been amazing. I have been in touch with the Ukraine church in London. I am hoping to get medical supplies from the surrounding community.
“Some people have given us medical equipment they don’t need to use, including blood pressure kits.
“I went to IMS Euro in Stockport and asked if they could supply us with blood bags so people giving blood can do that for the blood transfusion service. This company has gone above and beyond and they are going to send a couple of palettes including needles and gloves.
“St Mary’s School has been brilliant and supported the collection of the clothes and medicines.”
He said winter items would also be vital to the appeal due to plunging temperatures.
“Because it’s winter what they really need is winter clothes, blankets, coats and first aid kits, cling film, and sanitary towels to cover bleeding. We need to use every resource - Llanelli is a small town with a big heart.
“The people power has been unbelievable.”
Llanelli Motor Company and George Parker are also helping with the transport of items to London.
Paulina Czubatka, who was one of a group of parents involved with gathering the donations, said: “It is huge, the solidarity of people. We opened the door at 11am and at 11.10am the church hall was almost full. I melted when I saw how Polish and Welsh people can work together.
“In two days we sorted and packed clothes, toiletries, shoes, first aid kit and meds. People have been donating food and nappies.
“A lot of people were coming a second time with more things - I’m really impressed.”
The collection has now closed.
Llanelli Rotary Club secretary Alison Evans said she and fellow members had been moved to tears by the response to the St Mary’s appeal.
“The generosity of the people of Llanelli and district is quite staggering. Of course, many of us feel quite helpless to do something to help the people of Ukraine, but there are small things we can do.”
Mrs Evans added: “Nia Griffith MP, in conjunction with the Polish community in our town, have asked Rotary Llanelli to set up the means to collect funds for the Ukrainian refugees that have arrived in Poland. This money will go to those desperately in need.”
Mrs Evans said Rotary, as a worldwide service movement, had plenty of experience of making sure aid gets to the people who really need it.
Rotary Club president Ieuan Griffiths said: “In a few short hours our appeal has moved into four figures and I have nothing but praise for the people who have contributed. Setting up this JustGiving account does make us feel that we can make some small contribution to help the humanitarian cause in war-torn Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, popular Llanelli street artist Steve Jenkins has quickly repainted one of his town centre “Help the NHS” pieces of wall art. The wall, in a lane off Old Castle Road, now reads “Pray for Ukraine”.
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